The rolling hills of Petersburg, Virginia are symbolic of the town’s rich and complex history. Home to one of only two Civil War battlefields in which African-American troops fought, it is a place deeply rooted in both struggle and triumph. For any visitor who seeks to understand America’s past, this small town is an excellent destination – with numerous museums and monuments as well as preserved sites from its Civil War heritage.
Here you can explore Fort Lee or marvel at the Siege Museum, dedicated to the 10-month-long siege that was one of the longest military operations ever conducted on American soil. You will also encounter several other war monuments throughout town, including those devoted to Union soldiers and slaves who made their mark during this tumultuous period in our nation’s history. The City Point National Cemetery provides a sobering reminder of the cost of freedom for so many brave men and women.
You can take some solace by visiting historic St John’s Church where George Washington famously prayed after his 1781 victory over British forces at Yorktown – quite possibly ending the Revolutionary War that had been raging since 1775–1783. This event marked a crucial moment in American independence and understanding how such events shaped our country today is essential for all citizens seeking to belong within its borders.